Slow down for emergency vehicles

This Washington State Patrol car was smashed while responding to a roadside incident.

WSP

Slow down and move over. That’s the message from the Washington State Patrol as a new law goes into effect. It’s meant to better protect troopers and emergency workers who handle car accidents.

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Between 2006 and 2009, 80 state patrol cars were hit while pulled over to the side of the road. Trooper Cliff Pratt says it’s a very common occurrence.

"In our fleet section down in Tumwater there are times, especially through really bad winters, where it is just like a boneyard of wrecked state patrol cars," Pratt said.

The new law, the enhanced Emergency Zone law, which takes effect January 1st, will increase the fines for people who don’t slow down when they see emergency crews on the road. In addition to stiff fines, violators face possible jail time and suspension of their drivers license.

In-car video of trooper's vehicle being struck by another vehicle during a pullover NOTE: No one was hurt in this accident.